Week 16: Bills vs. Patriots Preview
This is a battle of two teams that are out of the playoff picture. The Bills are reeling off of two straight blowouts by division teams and will welcome the last place Patriots into what will be a half empty Ralph Wilson Stadium. The teams are playing for pride now and to perhaps get an early pick at some young players in game situations.

Facts and Figures

Matchup:

New England (4-10) at Buffalo (7-7)

Date:

Sunday December 17th

Place:

Ralph Wilson Stadium

Time:

1:00pm

Television:

CBS

Announcers:

Gus Johnson, Brent Jones

Spread:

Buffalo by 5

Series:

Patriots Lead 41-39-1

Last Meeting:

Bills 16-13 in OT in New England Nov. 5th

Pats Offense:

Rush (25th); Pass(20th); overall (26th)

Pats Defense:

Rush (18th); Pass (20th) ; overall (18th)

Bills Offense:

Rush (19th); Pass (12th); overall (15th)

Bills Defense:

Rush (3rd); Pass (6th); overall (3rd)

Injury Update

The Bills finish the season without Antoine Winfield, Sam Cowart, Sam Rogers, and Keion Carpenter. Phil Hansen played sparingly last week and his knee did not hold up really well. With the Bills out of it, Hansen probably will be out on Sunday. Donovan Greer is also still struggling in recovering from his high ankle sprain. John Fina has two gimpy knees and probably won't play.

For complete injury news throughout the week and the Official NFL Injury Report go to our Injury Page.

Key Matchups

LT Marcus Spriggs vs. DE Willie McGinest: Spriggs was awful in Fina's right tackle spot last week. He will need to perform much better against the wiley veteran McGinest.

WR Eric Moulds vs. CB Ty Law: Law and Moulds had a good matchup in November with Law winning out holding Moulds to four catches. Moulds needs to break out of his mini-slump.

CB Ken Irvin vs. WR Terry Glenn: Glenn is the main offensive threat and if Irvin can shut him down like he did Harrison last week the Bills should win.

RB Shawn Bryson vs. LB Ted Johnson: Johnson is the player that the Bills backs need to watch out for.

Game Plan

When The Bills Have The Ball: They just need to execute anyway possible to gain confidence and break out of the slump. Look for some creativity and variety on offense since the gameplan has been publicly criticized.

When The Pats Have The Ball: They will try to beat the Bills with the arm of Drew Bledsoe. He will try to get mismatched downfield to hit the big play.

Bills Daily Prediction

This battle may be a yawner but look for the Bills to muster enough pride to close the home season with a victory: Buffalo 24, New England 16

Season Prediction Record: (10-4)Season Record Against The Spread: (7-7)